With $1,500 left to go on an overall goal of raising $1 million to build new pre-and-post-operative areas at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, it was an anonymous donation that made all the difference.
The Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation raised $65,000 (gross) at its Tee off for Technology golf fundraiser at Glen Meadows Golf and Country Club June 14.
Foundation executive director Karen Morgan said they were still about $1,500 short when a donor (who wants to remain anonymous) put up the cash to push the Foundation over the top.
“It was wonderful to be able to meet that goal,” Morgan told the News Review. “We really wanted to finish off our campaign.
“We really do have a wonderful group of donors and supporters.”
The 25th annual golf tournament fundraiser saw 120 people turn out and raise the $65,000 — which surpassed previous years’ collections.
Since October 2012, the Foundation has been raising money to meet the $1 million goal.
The cash will be put towards new pre-and-post-operative areas in the hospital. Morgan said the plan is to build three spaces for pre-op patients and another five spaces for patients in post-op.
The money will also be used to create a dedicated endoscopy room, added Morgan.
With the money raised, Morgan said work can commence. Currently, plans for the new rooms are in the works.
She said staff and doctors are working with the architect and the Vancouver Island Health Authority to ensure the design meets the needs of the hospital and its patients.
Since 1985, the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation has raised more than $26 million. It has been used for projects such as three new operating rooms, a multi-faith chapel and more.